Transportation Commission Chairman Samuel J. Taylor welcomed everyone and called the regular meeting of the Utah Transportation Commission to order at 9:12 a.m. He introduced the full Commission to the audience, and also recognized Utah Department of Transportation Assistant Director Howard H. Richardson, Walt Running of the Federal Highway Administration, Senator John Holmgren from Box Elder County and Representative Stephen Bodily who for many years was vice-chairman of the Transportation and Public Safety Committee in the Legislature.

Chairman Taylor explained the Transportation Commission holds two regular Commission Meetings each month. During good-weather months they try to hold one of those monthly meetings outside the metropolitan Salt Lake area in an effort to give local officials and local residents throughout the state an opportunity to meet with the Commission on a rather informal basis and discuss the projected construction and maintenance programs for the specific area they are visiting.

Public CommentsChairman Taylor announced the first part of the Commission Meeting would be devoted to comments from the general public before getting into the regular Commission business. He invited the legislators and local government representatives to comment first.

Transportation ProcessAppreciation to Transportation CommissionFour-lane Highway to LoganSenator John Holmgren said he was assigned to the Transportation and Public Safety Appropriations Subcommittee in the Legislature a year ago and it has been tremendously interesting. It has been very good to see the activities and the impact the Transportation Department has on our state. He noted that even though they have to look at the entire state, he has been very interested in what's been happening in District 1. He said Commissioner Weston should be congratulated because he has done a very good job for District 1. There are some tremendous projects going on in their part of the state, and he appreciated the support their area has received from the Transportation Commission. He said he was looking forward to getting more involved as he gains more information and learns more about the Transportation process.

Chairman Taylor thanked him for his comments and expressed appreciation for the work Senator Holmgren does on the Transportation Subcommittee. He commented it was important that the Cache Valley be served by a four-lane highway, and the fact that we haven't been able to do it up to this time was really a shame. He shared the Senator's feeling of accomplishment when he sees all the work being done now in Wellsville and Sardine Canyons; that highway will be a fine facility when it's completed and something of which we can all be proud.

US-89/91, Wellsville Canyon ProjectUS-89 in Logan CanyonUS-91, Smithfield to Idaho LineUS-89/SR-30 Intersection, Garden CityLogan BypassRepresentative Stephen Bodily expressed appreciation to the Transportation Commission for meeting with them locally from time to time. He stated he particularly appreciated working with Commissioner Weston on a local basis, who has been very responsive to their needs. He said he wanted to pass on a few comments which he hears from time to time concerning the transportation system. He complimented UDOT and the Transportation Commission for the project in Wellsville Canyon. The contractors working that project, which is enormous, have facilitated traffic through the canyon quite well. There is still a great deal of work to be done, but they have handled it much faster than had been anticipated and he hoped that subsequent projects in that canyon would move along as well. The improved highway will be a big asset to northern Utah, particularly Cache Valley.

Concerning Logan Canyon, Representative Bodily said he knows there has been a lot of controversy over some of the proposals, but he has heard hardly any comments to the effect that the canyon should be left entirely alone. They all recognize that some work has to be done there. He thinks the Commission has been sensitive to the environmental issues--not to the point where they've eliminated all the controversy, but no matter what they do, there will be some controversy. The bridges in the canyon are falling apart, they are too narrow and the alignment isn't proper in some cases. He thinks the Commission has used good judgement to this point and he commended them for their wisdom.

Regarding US-91, he would like to see the day when that is a four-lane highway from Smithfield north to the state line. It is quite a bottleneck for traffic when there are slow-moving vehicles; there are very few places where it's convenient to pass safely. In the meantime, though, there are a couple of areas where some passing lanes could possibly be constructed. There was a turnout made north of Richmond a year ago, but another area that is quite critical is a turnout toward Lewiston. There is a lot of truck traffic there going to Presto Products and it is really quite a dangerous situation. If a turning lane could be constructed there, similar to the one by Pepperidge Farm, it would be well worth the expenditure.

Representative Bodily said he had received some phone calls recently concerning the highway changes in Garden City. He asked if the Commission had made a decision on how that's going to be handled at the intersection of SR-30 and US-89. There was some concern about how it affected parking for a couple of businesses.

Chairman Taylor responded that the Commission and staff toured that area the previous day. They went over the canyon mile by mile and ended up in Garden City. He asked Commissioner Weston to explain the situation. Commissioner Weston commented that they particularly looked at that intersection. The history on that project is that Garden City gave up their Safety Sidewalk money for several years to accumulate enough money to make improvements at that intersection. The Commission and District 1 staff felt it would be unwise to construct sidewalks there until there was a better alignment on the road allowing a right-turn lane from SR-30 to US-89. The project was about ready to be advertised, but there were a few people in Garden City who disagreed with what was going on, so District 1 Director Dale Peterson, and District Preconstruction Engineer Lynn Zollinger met with the Mayor and City Council. He asked Lynn Zollinger to review that discussion.

Lynn Zollinger explained they had a meeting several weeks ago which included quite a lengthy discussion on the effects of parking and the need to eliminate the existing angle parking and require parallel parking, at least in the vicinity of the improvements. Representatives of the business community were there claiming loss of parking, but, in fact that wasn't the case. Lynn stated the City Council had taken a vote within the last few days relative to their stand on the issue, but he had not heard the outcome of that vote yet. He said he expects they will support the project, but, in fact, he did not know for certain.

Commissioner Weston told Representative Bodily as soon as Garden City makes their decision, then the Department can make a final decision. The project, which will include curb, gutter and sidewalk in the approach areas to the intersection, is set to proceed unless Garden City tells us they don't want it.

Chairman Taylor commented there was little question that adding a right turn lane was going to have an impact on some of the commercial establishments in Garden City. He said it was the Commission's understanding that there has been a considerable amount of off-street parking made available to those businesses, and that will help. Another question which hasn't fully been resolved is the height of the final grade and how that height might impact the commercial businesses. He stressed the Department is going to try to strike a balance to provide the safest highway facility we can with the least amount of impact to the businesses.

Representative Bodily said he was not familiar enough with the details of the project to advise the Commission, but he asked that they just be sensitive to the needs of the community, particularly those businesses because they depend a great deal on tourism business.

Chairman Taylor responded that he lives in Moab, a community totally dependent on tourism and recreation. They went through these same exercises there for many years to the point where they finally achieved some degree of success. Now the plea the Commission gets when they meet in Moab is to get that traffic out of town.

Representative Bodily said that brought up his next comment regarding a bypass road for Logan. He was sure the Commission was aware of the traffic problems with Logan City. He worked on the 2010 Committee, and one of the recommendations they made was to construct a legitimate bypass road around Logan. The need is more evident every day that something needs to be done, not just for Logan City, but the whole artery through Cache Valley depends on having some kind of legitimate bypass route. He said much of the responsibility lies with the local people initiating it, but he hoped the Commission would be responsive when they do make a decision.

Chairman Taylor replied that the Commission would, of course, be responsive to requests. However, he pointed out that it could be very difficult because Cache Valley is much like Heber Valley. When you look for potential bypass routes you run into environmental problems. We are so sensitive to the wetlands mitigation issues, and there are a lot of wetlands west of Logan, that it really runs the cost up. He said the Commission and Department would try to work with the local people to come up with at least some alternatives on paper so that when the time comes they will be in a position to see what can be done.

Representative Bodily agreed they don't have a lot of alternatives, but he didn't think the status quo was going to remain acceptable. Chairman Taylor agreed.

Regional Highway Master Plan2010 CommitteeIntermodal TransportationLogan-Cache AirportAir QualityNatural Gas VehiclesUS-91, Logan to Idaho LineLogan BypassDevelopment along US-89/91 between Wellsville and LoganChairman Taylor indicated Mike Noonchester was in the audience representing the Mayor of Logan who was unable to attend. Mr. Noonchester said he wanted to reiterate everything which had been said so far by the legislators. They participated in the 2010 effort, and the bypass, as well as coming up with a regional master plan for their highways, were priorities for them to make sure their efforts are coordinated. That remains an issue. Though 2010 did a lot of good work, a very commendable grass roots effort, they technically need to do some work now to identify what their long-term master plan should be.

They have been working in the areas of alternative transportation, picking up on the federal mandate to look at intermodal transportation. He referred to their enhanced bus system in town which carried three-quarters of a million passengers last year on only nine buses. They are carrying an average passenger load of 36 on a bus that seats 21; they have passengers standing in the aisles all day long. That is commendable. They are working on a bike path system throughout the area which will integrate into the other communities. They think they will get high usage from it.

Mr. Noonchester said they do have a problem with their inter-city transportation right now. Greyhound is located at their airport and it's almost impossible for people to get into town from there. They hope to work with Greyhound to get them moved back into town where people can access them. It is a real inconvenience for a community with a college and a lot of senior citizens who depend on it.

The airport also is a priority. The city is in the process of finalizing annexation there. There are many areas of the airport which need improvement and with long-term effort they hope to be able to accomplish those improvements so the airport can function more appropriately.

As was indicated by Representative Bodily, they are concerned about US-91 north to the Idaho line. They are also concerned about a bypass route.

Mr. Noonchester said they are also working on air quality in their region. They just received a letter from the State Department of Environmental Quality saying they were going to push with Logan to make a permanent air quality monitoring station in Logan. He said there are some pros and cons to that, and UDOT staff has warned them they may not want to have the monitoring station there because they will be moving toward all the federal compliance problems. However, at the same time some random monitoring done in Logan last year indicated some potential particulate problems, and they are concerned about that. They realize it's a two-edge sword, but they still want to look at it because they are concerned, realizing the high potential for air quality problems with the fast development in their mountain valley.

As a city they now have a natural gas fueling station, and they are moving to get their first three vehicles which will operate with natural gas. Those are all positive steps.

Mr. Noonchester said their big concern, however, is nailing down their long-term master plan for roads in the area. They are very appreciative of the work being done in Wellsville Canyon, but he noted that as the work comes out of the canyon there is already development nibbling away along the highway. The functionality of that road into town will quickly change with continued development along there, and they won't have a major artery bringing people into the valley anymore. That remains a concern and he stated maybe they should be watching the development very carefully, unless they are going to quickly be able to move on a bypass road.

Those are some of the issues they have talked about as a city, and he said they look forward to continuing to work with the Department and the Commission on them.

Chairman Taylor responded the problem along the highway between Wellsville and Logan was going to continue to be a problem. It is a limited access highway, and UDOT needs to work very closely with Logan to see that it remains a major arterial highway until a time when we have a better alternative.

Appreciation to UDOT and CommissionSeth Allen, Cache County Executive, welcomed the Commission on behalf of Cache County. He endorsed Representative Bodily's comments who expressed their concerns very well. He commented that in the newspapers there was often criticism about what UDOT hasn't done; seldom is there an article on the fine work UDOT does accomplish. He said he wanted the Commission to know that there are people who do appreciate the efforts the Department and Commission have made on the approaches to Cache Valley, and congratulated them for their work.

1800 North in North Logan CityUS-89 in Logan CanyonDee B. Israelsen, North Logan City Public Works Director, expressed appreciation for the work being done on 18th North. One other bottleneck he was aware of was coming out of Logan Canyon. There is a two-lane passing section, but it narrows down to one lane just before you get to the intersection, then back to two lanes. There are a lot of problems there and it should be looked at soon. He also stated he hoped the Logan Canyon project would get underway.

Cache Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO)Logan BypassSR-165 Construction through NibleySpeed Limit on SR-165 through NibleyMayor Todd B. Fenton of Nibley thanked the Commission for holding the Commission Meeting in their area. He stated he was also the Chairman of the Cache Metropolitan Planning Organization, which was newly founded this year. He noted the CMPO has made local headlines, and not very positive ones. He commented the CMPO was very excited about the relationship with UDOT. There have been some very negative comments from Logan City regarding the MPO and the fact that it's stagnant and not doing anything. He said their next CMPO meeting will be held on August 17, at 5:00 p.m. in the Cache Council Offices, at which time they will respond to Logan City's criticisms.

He stated the MPO was a great thing for the Cache Valley. Looking at the valley with the various communities, there are roads which do not align, and it's almost a waste of money. But as the communities are gathered together in the CMPO for future planning with UDOT, they can line up individual streets and they can do a much better job of moving traffic. He restated the CMPO was very excited to be able to work with UDOT and have some actual grass roots input.

Another of their concerns is a bypass route. They have their Technical Committee looking at areas where they can define corridors to locate a bypass route.

Mayor Fenton indicated he could now be more sensitive to the criticism UDOT receives and said he appreciated the work they do. As Mayor of Nibley, UDOT is just completing a four-lane widening on SR-165 through his community. The vast majority of the people there are appreciative of the work, however, there are some who are not, but it's impossible to please everyone. With the high school there the road widening was something which had to be done. He said he was concerned, however, at where the four-lane widening ends. As the road leaves Nibley it goes down in a dip and narrows back to two lanes for several miles before reaching the high school. He expressed concern, with the mentality of the high school driver, that that will become a very hazardous spot with illegal and inappropriate passing. Also, it gets foggy and icy in that dip. He hoped UDOT was considering extending the widening to four-lanes past the high school.

He restated his appreciation for the work on SR-165. They now have sidewalks and many of their older citizens can utilize them. He said he has received calls about that and the people are appreciative.

Commissioner Weston said we knew when we started that project that we would have a problem with the end of it, but we simply don't have enough funding to extend the project as far as we would like. He couldn't give Mayor Fenton a date on when additional widening could be done down to the high school, but assured him they would keep an eye on it.

Commissioner Weston referred to the CMPO and stated he sat on the MPO Board as a representative of the Governor and as representation for UDOT. His position on the MPO was one of conciliation rather than trying to take a stand. He stressed that everyone must work together to make the MPO work. He was familiar with the controversy going on in the MPO between some of the cities, but thought it was solvable. He explained with the new ISTEA Act we are operating under, the MPO is not only desirable, it is mandatory. When the ISTEA Act was passed, it was a requisite that the Governor designate MPOs. We either work through the MPO or we go without the funding. UDOT cannot make the decisions for the Metropolitan Planning Organizations, or even fund any money without the MPO indicating what they want. He emphasized that he hoped at the next meeting the interested groups could work together with a conciliatory attitude and work things out.

Mike Noonchester of Logan said he hoped to visit Idaho Falls. They are a new MPO and he thought he could possibly learn something from them. He said we need to learn what we could do to help the process move more quickly. Commissioner Weston told Mr. Noonchester that Clint Topham and Richard Manser of UDOT staff would be willing to help them anytime with any questions they may have regarding the MPO. They are both extremely knowledgeable.

Commissioner Weston restated his request that the individual communities get together and make the MPO process work. Mayor Fenton said he was sure things would work out; the mayors were very concerned.

Mayor Fenton continued that he was also concerned with the speed limit on SR-165 through Nibley. The Cache County Sheriff feels that individuals should not be cited until drivers exceeded the speed limit by at least 10 MPH. That means if the speed limit is 40, then people can drive through Nibley at 50 without a problem. If the speed limit goes back to 50 as it was posted before construction, that would mean they could drive 60 MPH without a problem. As long as the local police entity feels that 10 MPH over the speed limit is a grey area, he requested that the road stay posted at 40 MPH, which it has been during construction. Chairman Taylor indicated that staff would take a close look at that.

US-89 WideningTraffic Signal at 12th South and Providence LaneRight turn lane at 12th South and US-91 in ProvidenceLogan BypassMr. Brent Speth, Providence City Council, said they appreciated very much the work that has been done to widen US-89 to four lanes, particularly for their youth to go to Mountain Crest. They also appreciated the traffic signal at the base of Providence Lane and 12th South. It is a great benefit to their community. The curb, gutter and sidewalk constructed along SR-238 through Providence was an enhancement to their community and was also appreciated.

They were still interested in trying to get some widening and a right turn lane at 12th South and US-91 near the auto body shop. He indicated that Dale Peterson had told him he had mentioned that to staff. Commissioner Weston commented that since the traffic signal was installed on 12th South he didn't think many people turned right there, they usually turned left. Mr. Speth said that was correct, but they were still interested in it, but realized funds were tight.

Mr. Speth said he also has a farm in College Ward and, speaking for the farmers in that area, a bypass road would definitely be a benefit to that area. There are still quite a few farmers who must use that main road with their equipment and tractors, and it is extremely difficult and hazardous to get across US-89/91. The farmers have learned it is impossible to cross four lanes of traffic in the afternoon with their farm equipment; he has lost two trucks on that highway himself.

US-89 at Mountain CrestSR-165 between Nibley and Providence6th East Between River Heights and ProvidenceTraffic from Providence to USU along 10th EastCache Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO)Cache Valley Master PlanNoel H. Cooley, River Heights City Council, said he appreciated the Commission's efforts to hold their meeting in Logan. He expressed appreciation for the work along US-89 going into Mountain Crest. They also have the same concerns as expressed by Mayor Fenton about the four-lane section of SR-165 ending at the south end of Nibley. They also appreciated the work done between River Heights and Providence on 6th East.

Mr. Cooley expressed concern about the traffic between Providence and the University which travels through River Heights, especially along the 10th East area. It is not a state highway, but it is a real concern as far as transportation. It is a very narrow road, and the individual communities have attempted to widen it to make it safe. It is used by many people who walk and exercise and it is a very dangerous situation. The three individual communities have not been able to solve getting that street widened. He wondered if that could be put on a future agenda of the MPO.

Mr. Cooley stated that even though the MPO may be stagnated a bit, there has been a lot of work done and it will be a great facilitator to get a master plan for the whole county.

Chairman Taylor responded that we are finding out, not just in Utah but nationwide, that MPOs are just now waking up to the fact that they have a tremendous responsibility and some great assets. It's the way of the future, by Federal law, and we are going to have to learn to live with it. It is not just here, but all over the United States.

Appreciation to Maintenance PersonnelSenator Holmgren said he wanted to compliment the people in the Maintenance area of UDOT. He had the opportunity recently to tour some of the Maintenance sheds and visit the Maintenance personnel. He said he enjoyed the day and was very impressed with them and their efforts.

Chairman Taylor agreed. Every time he tours the Maintenance sheds he is impressed all over again with how thin the Maintenance personnel are spread, and how much they manage to get done, particularly when there's a snow storm.

US-89/SR-30 Intersection in Garden CityPedestrian/Bicycle Enhancement Project in Garden City"Y" Intersection at Sage Creek JunctionSupport for Logan Canyon Preferred AlternativeMr. Blair Francis, Rich County Commission, said he appreciated being invited to attend the Commission Meeting. He referred to Representative Bodily's comments about the intersection of US-89/SR-30 in Garden City and he was glad to know where it stood. He knew there had been some controversy over it and the County Commission was concerned.

Another project which dovetails with that somewhat and which involves the ISTEA monies is for a pedestrian/bicycle path which will run from the Bear Lake State Marina to the old Sweetwater, which is now called Ideal Beach Homes. Garden City itself has applied for an enhancements grant for that project. UDOT has a problem with pedestrians on that highway, and Rich County is willing to help with the solution. Rich County Commission passed the 1% restaurant tax and they have earmarked 100% of that money to help with that project. That doesn't generate a great deal of money, but the entire amount will go toward that project until it is completed. It is a project that will enhance the recreation opportunities for Garden City.

Chairman Taylor informed Commissioner Francis that the Transportation Commission approved the first go-round of enhancements projects. Of 59 applications which were received, 17 projects were approved at the last Commission Meeting, and the Garden City project was one of those approved.

Commissioner Francis said another item of concern, and which has been on the back burner, was the "Y" intersection at Sage Creek Junction. At previous Transportation Planning Meetings held in their area, the Rich County Commission has presented the problem of that "Y" intersection which goes to Kemmerer, Laketown or Randolph. What they would prefer is to have a stop sign situation at a "T" intersection. Their school buses go through there, and there are periodic accidents. It is something which will not cost a great deal of money, but it would make a great improvement. He said he has asked their Sheriff to document the accident history there.

Chairman Taylor commented that we don't have many "Y" intersections left in the state. Dale Peterson commented that that particular intersection was in the Transportation Improvement Program. He indicated that last spring the Commission identified monies which could be used for intersection improvements. That is one project which we may want to see if we can advance it in the TIP. We recognize it needs to be done.

Commissioner Weston asked if the "Y" goes both ways. Commissioner Francis replied if you go from Laketown to Kemmerer it is a straight shot, if you go from Laketown to Randolph it is a "Y", and if you go from Randolph to Kemmerer it is a "Y". Commissioner Weston agreed it should be realigned to a "T" intersection. Chairman Taylor instructed Dale Peterson to proceed with moving the project forward.

Commissioner Francis said the Rich County Commission unanimously supports the preferred alternative identified in the EIS for Logan Canyon. It was not exactly what they'd like, but they realize the limitations. He said he represents people which can't make the decision which day they are going to go up Logan Canyon, their people have to go over it every day. He said he also represents people in Idaho and Wyoming on this issue. They have given their support in previous testimony and on committees. He also expressed thanks to Commissioner Weston who has been dogging the issue for a long, long time.

Noxious Weeds on State Rights-of-WayRepresentative Bodily said he had been approached by some of the agriculture people in his area who were concerned about noxious weeds on the rights-of-way of state highways. There are some weeds which are a real problem. They can control them in the fields, but when they are not controlled in the rights-of-way it just propagates the weed problem. In particular this time of year there is Canadian Thistle. It is past the time where anything can be done now because they've already gone to seed. He recognizes that Maintenance money is scarce and UDOT tries to make the best use of it, but he would appreciate some consideration.

Seth Allen from Cache County said he would like to add to Representative Bodily's comments, and if UDOT has any influence with the railroad right-of-way they would certainly appreciate some help. He noted he did speak with a Mr. Parker recently and drew his attention to that.

Logan Canyon Preferred AlternativeChairman Taylor said he would like to make a few comments from his perspective on Logan Canyon. He lives 330 miles away from Logan Canyon but he has been involved as a Commissioner with the studies which have done in Logan Canyon for 21 years and has seen more money spent on environmental studies in that canyon than we use to build new highways in southern Utah. He thinks the Commission has been extremely patient.

As the Commission and staff toured the Canyon the previous day, mile by mile, getting out and looking where they could safely do so at every one of the crumbling bridges, he was rather appalled at what we are coming up with finally as the preferred alternative. We are going to end up with new bridges which are going to be wide enough to safely carry vehicular traffic plus pedestrians and bicycles, but in much of the canyon we are not going to be looking at any more highway width than we have right now. We are going to be following the same alignment in almost all the critical parts of that canyon.

About the only meaningful length of continual passing lane will be in the only section that is not really under scrutiny by the environmental community, and that is on the Rich County side going down the switchbacks. That is going to be a tremendous improvement.

Chairman Taylor thinks the impacts done to Logan Canyon through the improvements covered in the preferred alternative will be very minimal. The canopy of trees will not be impacted. The scenic turnouts which are now there--made simply by people using them and not by any construction equipment--will be paved and curbed and made safe without encroaching upon any more flora and fauna which exists in the canyon. The impacts to the stream will be almost negligible.

He said although there wasn't a large number of people at the meeting today protesting our preferred alternative, the Department and Commission continually receive letters which bring up numerous reasons why we should not proceed with the preferred alternative. It boils down to the fact that many of those people simply want nothing done in the canyon. However, to do nothing in that canyon would be totally and absolutely irresponsible from the standpoint of safety.

Logan Canyon has been studied environmentally three times now. The last exercise was not one the Department chose to do, it was one we were told we had to do. The critics of the project continue to tell the Commission the study is not adequate. He said that's the same kind of arguments he has heard from the same kind of critics on every project built in southern Utah in the last 15 or 20 years. He didn't think any amount of study would put those critics on our side.

A hearing was held on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and a grea
t deal of comments were received. Many changes were made in the plan leading up to the final design as a result of those comments. Chairman Taylor stated we were going to proceed through design, and we were not going to be doing that final design in a vacuum. Our doors are open and anyone who wishes to come in and see what the engineers are doing on paper, and what we intend to construct as a result of the environmental process, are welcome to do so.

Chairman Taylor stated we are at the point where we are going to proceed with the preferred alternative as amended in the final design and we are going to build the road. He told one of our critics in a recent letter that, thankfully, we live in a society which allows the general public that disagrees with governmental decisions an opportunity to have their day in court. Perhaps that is where this will end. If the Commission and Department are not wise enough after all the input they have received, to be sensitive to environmental issues and construct a safe highway facility, then maybe a judge will have to make that decision.

Chairman Taylor thanked everyone for their attendance at the meeting and for their comments. He said it proves again that the Commission Meetings held throughout the state are very valuable to the Commission. He pointed out that the Commission was not made up of metro area people, they represent very diverse sections of the state.

Commissioner Winters stated he would like to echo Chairman Taylor's comments. We could study forever and never satisfy some individuals. In this particular case we are to the point where we must make a decision and proceed.

Chairman Taylor indicated there was a handout prepared by District 1 listing projects under construction and projects which are planned under the Transportation Improvement Plan. He suggested that each person take a copy.

A short break was called by Chairman Taylor.

Forest Service Building in Lady Bird Park in LoganMr. Sherwin Kirby stated he was involved in the design and ownership of the Forest Service building proposed to be constructed in Lady Bird Park. He presented their latest design to the group, and a lengthy discussion followed.

They proposed one additional entrance to the Park to facilitate traffic movement, but it was determined by UDOT staff that that would not be approved for safety reasons. Another access right at the brow of the hill, and located only 150 feet from the access presently there would compound the safety problem, so it would remain with only one access for ingress/egress.

There was discussion about the best location for the building to allow adequate parking plus provide an adequate turn-around area to accommodate campers and large motor homes in order to access the RV dump station.

Commissioner Winters asked if there were any commercial dump stations in the area. Mr. Kirby replied there was one located in town and another one was going to be constructed at the Bear Lake Overview at the east end of the canyon. The one located in Lady Bird Park was definitely on the wrong side of the road, and motorists have to cross traffic coming in and going back out of the park. Chairman Taylor commented that his wife told him the previous evening that if there was any way to move the RV dump station to the north side of the highway, it would certainly eliminate a safety hazard, and that was absolutely correct.

Chairman Taylor asked if they had seriously considered the impact of eliminating the dump station altogether. That would help solve the problem of where to locate the building, besides eliminating the safety problem. Mr. Kirby said that would certainly be their preference, but the decision wasn't up to him. He understood that one of the stipulations in the whole agreement between UDOT, Logan City and the Forest Service was that the dump station be preserved.

Bill Thompson, Cache District Ranger, commented that if it was possible to eliminate the dump station they would prefer to do so. The only reason they agreed to leave it there was because they thought that was going to be part of the lease from the Department of Transportation which indicated they had to leave all facilities there which were currently there, and make it a full service area. He stated if UDOT doesn't think it needs to be left there and they can get by with moving it, that would be ideal for the Forest Service.

Chairman Taylor commented he would like to see these dump stations around the state, but he was trying to balance that with the safety hazard this particular station created with the cross traffic turns. He noted it had been recommended by the consultant who did UDOT's rest area study that we not have dump stations incorporated into our rest areas.

Commissioner Weston stated when the public hearings were held on this, which UDOT neither arranged nor conducted, the RV dump station was a pretty strong issue; people didn't want to lose it. He didn't think it could be eliminated without going back to the public hearing process again. Mr. Thompson commented an alternative site would have to be found if it could be relocated. Commissioner Weston stated that Logan City had indicated they have no funds to relocate it, and UDOT has no land to relocate it.

Mr. Thompson indicated if it can't be moved, they will live with it because that location is where the Forest Service would very much like to construct their building. They feel it would be an asset for the community and for their administration of the National Forest.

Mr. Kirby indicated there was the possibility of relocating the dump station on site within the park. There was additional discussion about that possibility. Rod Blossom of Logan City indicated the dump station consisted of water hookup for wash-off, curbs on both sides, a concrete slab, and the sewer dump head and connection to the sewer line; there was approximately $4,000 in it.

It was decided that a small group should get together consisting of Rod Blossom and Mike Noonchester of Logan, Bill Thompson of the Forest Service, Sherwin Kirby and Arland Rounds the designers, and Lynn Zollinger and possibly Dale Peterson, to site the building on the lot and come back with a recommendation. Mr. Kirby said they just needed someone to approve their plans so they could proceed with the project. Commissioner Weston asked if they could proceed with that immediately.

Commissioner Lewis asked why some of the grass area could not be infringed upon within the park to facilitate location of the building. He was informed the park property was bought by the people across the street and it was given to Utah State University. Later they traded it to UDOT in the construction of the highway around the campus, so UDOT came into ownership of it from USU, and there was an unwritten agreement that it would stay a park.

Mr. Blossom suggested a group also needed to get together to discuss the final agreement between UDOT, the Forest Service and Logan City. He noted there were several things in the draft agreement which Logan was attributed to taking care of, and they had no intention of accepting those responsibilities. He said Logan conceded to accept responsibility for two things: maintenance of the dump station and pick up of the garbage. Among other things they needed to resolve the issues of caring for the lawns and snow removal as well as maintenance of the restroom facility.

After further discussion Commissioner Weston asked that a meeting between representatives of the three entities, and to include Howard Richardson and District 1 staff of UDOT, be held immediately following Commission Meeting to resolve the issues and come up with a final agreement. Chairman Taylor asked them to please consider, during their discussion, the possibility of relocating the dump station across the highway.

Approval of MinutesCommissioner Winters made a motion to approve the minutes of the Commission Meeting held July 30, 1993 in Salt Lake City. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewis and it passed unanimously.

Right-of-Way Settlements Over $25,000Bob Fox reported there were two right-of-way settlements for the Commission's consideration. The first was on the 9th East, Casa Negra to Fort Union Boulevard project. It includes over five acres of ground which was formerly a tree nursery and it will be used for the new road. It is unimproved, but zoned as a high-density, multi-family use center. The appraisal was for $550,000 which was accepted by the owner.

The second settlement was on the Brigham City to Mantua project. It was for raw land, a building lot at $18,000 plus the cost to cure for a septic tank conversion to sewer, as well as the relocation of a well, for a total settlement of $31,000.

Bob also reported to Commissioner Weston that of the 104 parcels required on the Brigham City to Mantua project, all of them were either settled or were in condemnation with the exception of ten parcels, of which eight were Brigham City's, and he was hopeful they would settle with Brigham City this week. He felt that by September 30 all parcels would be cleared.

Commissioner Winters made a motion to approve the two right-of-way settlements as presented. Commissioner Lewis seconded the motion and it passed unanimously that:

The option approved to purchase Parcels 7, 7B, 7D, 7:S, and 7:ST, Project SP-0071(1)10, 900 East, Casa Negra to Fort Union Boulevard, located at approximately 7510 South 900 East, Salt Lake County, from owners Kelvin R. Kemp and Burniss B. Kemp, in the amount of $550,000; and

The option approved to purchase Parcels 37:A and 37:C, Project NH-0091(29)4, Brigham City to Mantua, located at 70 South Highway 89-91, Mantua, from owners Tad L. Brown and Madeleine M. Brown, in the amount of $31,000.

Planning and ProgrammingAirport Improvement ProjectsPhil Ashbaker reported there were four airport projects, all of them federal participating, for Commission consideration. The first project was at the Heber Valley Airport. It is a very rapidly growing airport. This project involves reconstructing the parallel taxiway to Runway 21, construction of runway/taxiway exit, expand the apron to an area where some new hangars have been constructed plus some lighting and drainage for that area. It has a total project cost of $755,622, with $34,229 of State money involved.

The second project was at the Logan-Cache Airport. It is a federal/state/local project designed to replace the runway lighting on the primary runway, install airport signage which is required by the FAA, and to construct some security fencing. The total project cost is $307,782 of which $13,943 is State money.

The third project is at the Wendover City Airport. It is for the implementation of the Historic Properties Management Plan which was part of the completed Airport System Plan there. It is required by Federal law to take care of the historical properties there, and this project will implement that portion of the Master Plan. It's designed to identify which properties will fall under Historic Properties Management, then determine which ones will and will not be preserved. It also involves development of a plan for marketing of that property such as tours, brochures, tourist activities, etc. It has a total project cost of $150,450 and no State money has been requested for participation in this project.

The last project is also at the Wendover City Airport. It is a major construction project which will rehabilitation another 1,600 feet of Runway 12-30 to accommodate the DC-9 aircraft arriving there; install runway lights; relocate the runway threshold on the other end of Runway 12-30, the threshold lights and the precision approach lighting system; rehabilitate 10,000 square yards of aircraft parking area, which is the primary portion of this project. The concrete is badly deteriorated and this will provide safe parking for the commercial and private aircraft. There will also be some lights installed to light the stub taxiway onto the ramp and install airfield signage. It has a $937,500 total cost, with $42,500 of State money. The Aeronautical Committee has reviewed all the projects and recommends them to the Commission for approval.

Commissioner Larkin made a motion to approve the four aeronautical projects as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lewis and it passed unanimously that:

The Heber City Airport project approved to reconstruct parallel taxiway to Runway 21, construct runway/taxiway exit, expand apron to within 25 feet of new hangars with lighting and drainage, for a total project cost of $755,622 - Federal $687,163, State $34,229, and local $34,230; and

The Logan-Cache Airport project approved to replace runway lighting, install airport signage and construct security fencing, for a total project cost of $307,782 - Federal $279,897, State $13,943, and local $13,942; and

The Wendover Airport project approved for implementation of Historic Properties Management Plan, for a total project cost of $150,450 - Federal $136,819 and local $13,631; and

Planning and Programming - Increase in FundingBrigham City to MantuaI-70/SR-6 Interchange West of Green RiverDyke LeFevre reported they were requesting increased funding on two projects. He explained the Brigham City to Mantua project was about ready to be advertised but they needed approval for approximately $8.5 million more funding. He asked Lynn Zollinger to explain the need for the increased cost.

Lynn explained it was a combination of many elements of the project which increased the cost. One major element is the structure at the south Mantua interchange. Another had to do with retaining walls. We're going to be building a highway embankment and we are moving into the hillside on the north side of the canyon to facilitate that, but in order to stay out of the creek it will require a retaining wall approximately 15 feet high, running from the interchange west. Lynn indicated there would be a total of about 1,500 feet of retaining wall required, some at the interchange, some along the creek, and another section to retain the earth cuts along the existing mountainsides to control sluffing onto the roadway.

Commissioner Weston asked what the retaining walls would be constructed of and Lynn replied there were several options available which could be selected by the contractor, but he thought they were of reinforced earth design, a concrete-faced wall designed to reinforce the earth by installation of steel straps into the embankment; it would appear as a concrete wall. Commissioner Weston commented we should try to make the walls as pleasing in appearance as possible. Lynn replied that decorative treatment was required on these concrete walls, and it must blend into the natural rock along the project.

Lynn continued that other major reasons for the cost increase is the large amount of earth work being done and the extensive utility work required. The existing roadway elevation will be raised by approximately four feet, and the roadway widening cuts into the north canyon wall. Commissioner Weston asked if there would be any excavation material left over and Lynn replied there would be some, and they would use it for some work on an unstable, steep embankment near the new Eagle Mountain Golf Course in Brigham City.

Commissioner Weston asked Lynn if part of the increased cost included moving the reservoir which we hadn't anticipated doing, and Lynn replied it was, and it was an advantage to Brigham City. He also asked Lynn if he knew the cost of the interchange at Mantua, and Lynn replied he could not give him a very accurate answer, but thought it would be about $1 million to $2 million.

Commissioner Weston asked if the utility companies had been notified that we are about ready to advertise this project. Lynn assured him they had been, and we already have a number of the utility agreements back.

Commissioner Winters asked if we were going to have the present project completed before starting this next one. Commissioner Weston replied there would be a surface on it, but it would not be complete.

Dyke reported the second increase for consideration was on the I-70/SR-6 Interchange project west of Green River. The project is for installation of lighting at the interchange, and the increase in cost is essentially because of the amount of power line we have to run to get power to energize the system. Originally we thought we could pick up power about two miles away at one of the signs located there, but there was not enough power to the sign to generate what was needed for our lighting project, so we will have to run the power line four miles. He requested an additional $345,000.

Commissioner Weston made a motion to approve the increases on the two projects as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Larkin and it passed unanimously that:

Increase in National Highway funds approved on Project NH-0091(2)4, Brigham City to Mantua, in the amount of $8,460,000, added to the $10 million already approved, for a total project cost of $18,460,000; and

Increase in Interstate Surface Transportation Program funds approved on Project ISTP-70-3(37)156, SR-6 Interchange With I-70 West of Green River, in the amount of $345,000, added to the $200,000 already approved, for a total project cost of $545,000.

Next Commission MeetingChairman Taylor stated the next Commission Meeting would be held on Friday, August 27, 1993 in Salt Lake City. A Scheduling Meeting was set for the day before, at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 26.

A Commission Meeting was also tentatively scheduled for Friday, September 17, 1993 in Salt Lake City.

The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

The following Commission, staff members, legislators and local representatives were in attendance: